Covers for plant-growing media

ABSTRACT

A cover for a plant-growing medium comprises a main cover portion, a peripheral base spaced from the main cover portion and defining an outer perimeter of the cover, and a peripheral wall extending from a first side of the main cover portion between the main cover portion and the peripheral base. One or more plant growth channels are defined by one or more tubes extending from the first side of the main cover portion. Each tube has a proximal end adjacent the main cover portion and a distal end relative to the proximal end, with a first aperture defined in the main cover portion at the proximal end of the tube and a second aperture defined at the distal end of the tube. The first aperture and the second aperture communicate through the tube to define each plant growth channel.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to plant cultivation, and moreparticularly to covers for use in plant cultivation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of plant cultivation, plants are cultivated by preparingseedling plugs, and then using the seedling plugs to grow the plants.

Seedling plugs are prepared by planting rows of adjacent seeds in aplant-growing medium in a first growth area, and providing water andlight until a plant which has grown from one of the seeds sprouts abovethe surface of the plant-growing medium. In order to conserve space, theseeds in the initial growth area are planted quite close to one another,so that if the seeds were permitted to continue growing past the initialsprouting stage within the initial growth area, their root structureswould interfere with one another and their leaves would block light fromreaching the leaves of adjacent plants.

Once the seeds have sprouted, seedling plugs are created by cutting acylinder of plant-growing medium surrounding the root structure of eachyoung plant. These seedling plugs are then moved to a second growth areaand placed in discrete containers containing loose particulateplant-growing medium, or discrete blocks of rigid plant-growing mediumsuch as rockwool, to allow the plants to grow to sufficient maturity forsale. Once the seedling plugs have been removed from the first growtharea, a new set of seeds is planted therein, so that this new set ofseeds can sprout while the plants from the previous set of seeds mature,so that plants at various levels of maturity are growing simultaneously.Optionally, the seedlings may be grown to an intermediate level ofmaturity in the second growth area and then transferred to a thirdgrowth area where the containers are spaced further from one another andallowed to further mature. Automated mechanical handling of the discretecontainers, and of the discrete blocks of rigid plant-growing mediumsuch as rockwool, is quite common.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a cover for aplant-growing medium. The cover comprises a main cover portion, aperipheral base spaced from the main cover portion and defining an outerperimeter of the cover, a peripheral wall extending from a first side ofthe main cover portion between the main cover portion and the peripheralbase, and at least one plant growth channel. Each plant growth channelis defined by a tube extending from the first side of the main coverportion and having a proximal end adjacent the main cover portion and adistal end relative to the proximal end. A first aperture is defined inthe main cover portion at the proximal end of the tube and a secondaperture is defined at the distal end of the tube, with the firstaperture and the second aperture communicating through the tube.

In one embodiment, the main cover portion is generally planar.Preferably, for each plant growth channel, the tube extends past theperipheral base. In each plant growth channel, the first aperture may belarger than the second aperture and the tube may be generallyfrusto-conical and taper from the first aperture to the second aperture.The peripheral base may comprise an outwardly extending peripheralflange located at a distal end of the peripheral wall, relative to themain cover portion, and the outermost edge of the peripheral flange maydefine a notional rectangle. In such an embodiment, for each edge of thenotional rectangle defined by the outermost edge of the peripheralflange, at least one arch-shaped indentation is defined in a distalportion of the peripheral wall that is distal from the main coverportion. The peripheral wall may also include recess regions where aproximal portion of the peripheral wall adjacent the main cover portionis recessed inwardly to define an intermediate shoulder between theproximal portion of the peripheral wall and the distal portion of theperipheral wall. These recess regions may be located adjacent corners ofthe notional rectangle defined by the outermost edge of the peripheralflange.

In one embodiment, the main cover portion has at least one receivingslot defined therethrough adjacent each plant growth channel, eachreceiving slot able to receive a plant support member and retain theplant support member so that the plant support member extends from thesecond side of the main cover portion, generally perpendicularlythereto. The receiving slot or slots may be cruciform, and eachreceiving slot may be located in a plant support area of the main coverportion defined by a plant support projection on the first side of themain cover portion and a corresponding plant support depression on thesecond side of the main cover portion.

In one embodiment, the main cover portion has at least one set ofperforations therethrough, each set of perforations defining a removabletab, whereby removal of the tab defines an irrigation aperture forreceiving an irrigation tube. Each set of perforations may be located inan irrigation area of the main cover portion defined by an irrigationprojection on the first side of the main cover portion and acorresponding irrigation depression on the second side of the main coverportion.

In one embodiment, the cover is integrally formed, and may be formedfrom biodegradable material, such as bagasse.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent fromthe following description in which reference is made to the appendeddrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a cover for aplant-growing medium;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a first side view of the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a second side view of the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1 and amating container;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1 and thecontainer of FIG. 7, with a plant-growing medium disposed inside thecontainer;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the cover of FIG. 1 secured to thecontainer of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing a seedling plug with a plantbeing inserted through the cover of FIG. 1 into the container of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing the seedling plug of FIG. 10Adisposed in the container of FIG. 7, with the plant of FIG. 10A at afirst stage of growth and extending through the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10C is a perspective view showing the seedling plug of FIG. 10Adisposed in the container of FIG. 7, with the plant of FIG. 10A at asecond stage of growth and extending through the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11A is a side cross-sectional view, taken along the line 11A-11A inFIG. 10A, showing the seedling plug of FIG. 10A being inserted throughthe cover of FIG. 1 into the container of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11B is a is a side cross-sectional view, taken along the line11B-11B in FIG. 10B, showing the seedling plug of FIG. 10A disposed inthe container of FIG. 7, with the plant of FIG. 10A at a first stage ofgrowth and extending through the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11C is a is a side cross-sectional view, taken along the line11C-11C in FIG. 10C, showing the seedling plug of FIG. 10A disposed inthe container of FIG. 7, with the plant of FIG. 10A at a second stage ofgrowth and extending through the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view showing the seedling plug of FIG. 10Abeing inserted through the cover of FIG. 1 into a rigid block ofplant-growing medium;

FIG. 12B is a perspective view showing the seedling plug of FIG. 10Adisposed in the block of FIG. 12A, with the plant of FIG. 10A at a firststage of growth and extending through the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12C is a perspective view showing the seedling plug of FIG. 10Adisposed in the block of FIG. 12A, with the plant of FIG. 10A at asecond stage of growth and extending through the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13A is a side cross-sectional view, taken along the line 13A-13A inFIG. 12A, showing the seedling plug of FIG. 10A being inserted throughthe cover of FIG. 1 into the block of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13B is a is a side cross-sectional view, taken along the line13B-13B in FIG. 12B, showing the seedling plug of FIG. 10A disposed inthe block of FIG. 12A, with the plant of FIG. 10A at a first stage ofgrowth and extending through the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13C is a is a side cross-sectional view, taken along the line13C-13C in FIG. 12C, showing the seedling plug of FIG. 10A disposed inthe block of FIG. 12A, with the plant of FIG. 10A at a second stage ofgrowth and extending through the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a cover fora plant-growing medium;

FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the cover of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a first side view of the cover of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a second side view of the cover of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the cover of FIG. 14;

FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of the cover of FIG. 14;

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of a cover for aplant-growing medium;

FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of the cover of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a first side view of the cover of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a second side view of the cover of FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the cover of FIG. 20;

FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of the cover of FIG. 20;

FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a cover fora plant-growing medium;

FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective view of the cover of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a first side view of the cover of FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a second side view of the cover of FIG. 26;

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of the cover of FIG. 26;

FIG. 31 is a bottom plan view of the cover of FIG. 26;

FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a cover for aplant-growing medium;

FIG. 33 is a bottom perspective view of the cover of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a first side view of the cover of FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is a second side view of the cover of FIG. 32;

FIG. 36 is a top plan view of the cover of FIG. 32;

FIG. 37 is a bottom plan view of the cover of FIG. 32;

FIGS. 38 to 40 are dimension drawings for an exemplary embodiment of thecover of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 41 to 43 are dimension drawings for an exemplary embodiment of thecover of FIG. 14;

FIGS. 44 to 46 are dimension drawings for an exemplary embodiment of thecover of FIG. 20;

FIGS. 47 to 50 are dimension drawings for an exemplary embodiment of thecover of FIG. 26; and

FIGS. 51 to 54 are dimension drawings for an exemplary embodiment of thecover of FIG. 32.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 to 6, in which a first exemplaryembodiment of a cover for a plant-growing medium is shown generally at10. The cover 10 comprises a generally planar main cover portion 12, aperipheral base 14 and a peripheral wall 16. The peripheral base 14 isspaced from the main cover portion 12 and defines the outer perimeter ofthe cover 10. In a preferred embodiment, the peripheral base 14 extendsfurther outwardly than the main cover portion 12. The peripheral wall 16extends from a first side 12A of the main cover portion 12, between themain cover portion 12 and the peripheral base 16. In the illustratedembodiment, the peripheral base 14 comprises an outwardly extendingperipheral flange located at a distal end of the peripheral wall 16,relative to the main cover portion 12.

A plant growth channel 18 in the cover 10 is defined by a tube 20extending from the first side 12A of the main cover portion 12. The tube20, and hence the plant growth channel 18, is positioned in the centerof the main cover portion 12. The tube 20 has a proximal end 22 adjacentthe main cover portion 12 and a distal end 24, relative to the proximalend 22. A first aperture 26 is defined in the main cover portion 12 atthe proximal end 22 of the tube 20, and a second aperture 28 is definedat the distal end 24 of the tube 20. The first and second apertures 26,28 communicate with one another through the tube 20 to define the plantgrowth channel 18.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the tube 20 extends past theperipheral base 14, so that the distal end 24 of the tube 20 is furtheraway from the main cover portion 12 than the peripheral base 14. Assuch, when the cover 10 is positioned over top of a growing medium, asshown in FIGS. 10A through 13C, the distal end 24 of the tube 20 canpenetrate into the plant-growing medium. In a preferred embodiment, thefirst aperture 26 is larger than the second aperture 28, and the tube 20is generally frusto-conical and tapers from the proximal end 22 to thedistal end 24

As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the first exemplary cover 10 theoutermost edge of the peripheral flange that forms the peripheral base14 defines a notional rectangle, more particularly a notional square.The sides defining the outermost edge of the peripheral flange thatforms the peripheral base 14 need not be perfectly linear, and may havecurved corners as shown, as well as indentations and the like, whilestill defining a notional rectangle. Preferably, arch-shapedindentations are defined in the peripheral wall 16. In the firstexemplary cover 10, on each edge of the notional rectangle defined bythe outermost edge of the peripheral flange forming the peripheral base14, an arch-shaped indentation 30 is defined in a distal portion 40 ofthe peripheral wall 16, that is, the portion of the peripheral wall 16that is distal from the main cover portion 12. As can be seen, thearch-shaped indentations 30 are defined in the peripheral wall 16, andpreferably do not interrupt the peripheral flange forming the peripheralbase 14; rather, a portion 32 of the peripheral flange follows theperimeter of the arch-shaped indentations 30. This arrangementfacilitates trimming during the manufacturing process.

In addition, in the illustrated embodiment of the first exemplary cover10, the peripheral wall 16 includes recess regions 34 where a proximalportion 36 of the peripheral wall 16 adjacent the main cover portion 12is recessed inwardly to define an intermediate shoulder 38 between theproximal portion 36 of the peripheral wall 16 and the distal portion 40of the peripheral wall. In a preferred embodiment, the recess regions 34are located adjacent corners of the notional rectangle defined by theoutermost edge of the peripheral flange forming the peripheral base 14.When a plurality of covers 10 are stacked on top of the other in anested configuration, the recess regions 34 serve as de-stacking lugs,inhibiting the covers 10 from nesting so closely as to create a frictionfit that would inhibit separation of one cover from another cover. Forgreater clarity, the proximal portion 36 and distal portion 40 of theperipheral wall 16 is labeled at each recess region 34.

The main cover portion 12 has two opposed receiving slots 42 definedtherethrough adjacent each plant growth channel 18. In the firstexemplary cover 10, the receiving slots 42 are cruciform, and are ableto receive a plant support member 44, such as a dowel of suitablediameter (see FIGS. 10C and 11C), and retain the plant support member 44so that the plant support member extends from the second side 12B of themain cover portion 12, generally perpendicularly thereto. Each receivingslot 42 is located in a plant support area 48 of the main cover portion12, with each plant support area 48 being defined by a plant supportprojection 48A on the first side 12A of the main cover portion 12 and acorresponding plant support depression 48B on the second side 12B of themain cover portion 12. As shown in FIGS. 10C, 11C, 12C and 13C, whenplant support members 44 are installed in the receiving slots 42, aplant 44 which is growing through the plant growth channel 18 can besecured (e.g. by tying) to the plant support members 44 to facilitateupright growth. While the first exemplary cover 10 has two receivingslots 42 associated with the plant growth channel 18, in otherembodiments only a single receiving slot, or more than two receivingslots, may be associated with a plant growth channel.

The main cover portion 12 also has two sets of perforations 50therethrough, with each set of perforations 50 defining a removable tab52. Removing the tab 52 creates an irrigation aperture in the main coverportion 12 for receiving an irrigation tube. For example, an irrigationtube 54 (see FIGS. 10A to 13C) can be pressed downward against one ofthe tabs 52 from the second side 12B of the main cover portion 12,separating the tab 52 from the main cover portion 12 as the irrigationtube 54 passes through the newly created irrigation aperture and entersthe plant-growing medium. Each set of perforations 50 and tab 52 islocated in an irrigation area 56 of the main cover portion 12, with theirrigation areas 56 defined by an irrigation projection 56A on the firstside 12A of the main cover portion 12 and a corresponding irrigationdepression 56B on the second side 12B of the main cover portion 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 to 9, a container with which the firstexemplary cover 10 may be used is shown generally at 60. As shown inFIG. 8, the container 60 may be filled with a suitable plant-growingmedium 62, such as shredded coconut husk, so that a seedling plug may beinstalled therein. The container 60 has a peripheral flange 64corresponding in size and shape to the peripheral flange forming theperipheral base 14 of the exemplary first exemplary cover 10. Thus, theperipheral base 14 of the first exemplary cover 10 mates with theperipheral flange 64 of the container 60, so that the first exemplarycover 10 can be secured to the container 60, for example by way ofadhesive between the peripheral base of the first exemplary cover 10 andthe peripheral flange 64 of the container 60, to form a complete,self-contained unit, as shown in FIG. 9. Accordingly, that the container60 mates with the first exemplary cover 10.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A to 10C and 11A to 11C. For simplicityand ease of illustration, not all reference numerals from FIGS. 1 to 9are marked in FIGS. 10A to 10C and 11A to 11C.

In FIGS. 10A and 11A, a seedling plug 80, comprising a cylinder ofplant-growing medium 82 and a young seedling plant 84, is positionedabove a container 60 filled with plant-growing medium 62 and with firstexemplary cover 10 secured thereover. As best seen in FIG. 11A, a cavity66 has been impressed into the plant-growing medium 62 in the container60. Also shown in FIG. 11A, the root structure 88 of the seedling plant84 is contained within the cylinder of plant-growing medium 82. Anirrigation tube 54 passes through the irrigation aperture formed byseparating the tab 52 from the main cover portion 12.

The seedling plug 80 is moved downwardly through the first aperture 26at the proximal end 22 of the tube 20, so that the cylinder ofplant-growing medium 82 passes through the tube 20 and into the cavity66, as shown in FIG. 11B. As can be seen in FIG. 11A, the diameter ofthe distal end 24 of the tube 20 is slightly smaller than the diameterof the cylinder of plant-growing medium 82, so that the distal end 24 ofthe tube 20 is sandwiched between the cylinder of plant-growing medium82 and the plant-growing medium 62 in the container 60 when the cylinderof plant-growing medium 82 is received in the cavity 66.

Once the seedling plug 80 has been installed in the assembly comprisingthe container 60, first exemplary cover 10 and plant-growing medium 62,as shown in FIGS. 10B and 11B, the seedling plant 84 can continue togrow, as shown in FIGS. 10C and 11C, and the root structure 88 of theseedling plant 84 can extend beyond the cylinder of plant-growing medium82 and into the surrounding plant-growing medium 62, as shown in FIG.11C. In addition, as the seedling plant 84 grows larger, plant supportmembers 44 can be inserted into the cruciform receiving slots 42 tosupport the seedling plant 84 in an upright posture as it grows, asshown in FIGS. 10C and 11C.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A to 12C and 13A to 13C, use of one of thecovers 10 with a formed block 90 of rockwool 92 is illustrated. As withthe discussion of FIGS. 10A to 10C and 11A to 11C, not all referencenumerals from FIGS. 1 to 9 are marked in FIGS. 12A to 12C and 13A to13C.

FIGS. 12A and 13A show a seedling plug 80, comprising a cylinder ofplant-growing medium 82 and a young seedling plant 84, positioned abovea formed block 90 of rockwool 92. The outer side surfaces of the block90 of rockwool 92 are wrapped in a plastic material 94 which ispreferably opaque. As best seen in FIG. 13A, the block 90 has a cavity96 defined at its upper end, and the tube 20 of the first exemplarycover 10 is friction fit into the cavity 96. An irrigation tube 54passes through the irrigation aperture formed by separating the tab 52from the main cover portion 12.

The seedling plug 80 is moved downwardly through the first aperture 26at the proximal end 22 of the tube 20, so that, as shown in FIG. 13B thecylinder of plant-growing medium 82 passes through the tube 20 and intothe cavity 96. As noted above, the diameter of the distal end 24 of thetube 20 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the cylinder ofplant-growing medium 82, resulting in a friction or interference fitbetween the cylinder of plant-growing medium 82 and the outer wall ofthe cavity 96, thereby securing the cover 10 to the block 90 of rockwool96 with the distal end 24 of the tube 20 sandwiched between the cylinderof plant-growing medium 82 and the outer wall of the cavity 96 in theblock 90 of rockwool 96.

Analogously to the situation with the container 60, after the seedlingplug 80 has been placed in the block 90 of rockwool 92 (FIGS. 12B and13B) the seedling plant 84 can continue to grow, with its root structure88 extending beyond the cylinder of plant-growing medium 82 and into thesurrounding rockwool 92 (FIGS. 12C and 13C). As with the arrangementcomprising the container 60, plant support members 44 can be insertedinto the cruciform receiving slots 42 to support the seedling plant 84in an upright posture as it grows.

FIGS. 38 to 40 are dimension drawings for the first exemplary embodimentof a cover 10, in which reference letters have been used to denotevarious dimensions. The chart below sets out the correspondingapproximate numerical dimensions of the first exemplary embodiment of acover 10 according to aspects of the present invention, in millimeters.

Reference Dimension (millimeters) A 98.00 B 25.27 C 23.50 D 26.00 E 5.80F 26.00 G 98.00 H 10.00 I 1.00 J 35.10 K 5.30 L 7.20 M 4.70 N 6.60 O4.50 P 28.98 Q 10.00 R 17 degrees S 13 degrees T 25.27 U 18.04

For illustrative purposes, a detailed description of the constructionand use of a first exemplary embodiment of a cover 10 has been provided.Covers according to aspects of the present invention can have a varietyof sizes and configurations, and may include a single plant growthchannel, or a plurality of plant growth channels. Various otherexemplary embodiments of covers according to aspects of the presentinvention will now be briefly described.

Referring to FIGS. 14 to 19, a second embodiment of a cover for aplant-growing medium is shown generally at 1410. The second embodiment1410 is generally similar to the first embodiment 10, except that thecover 1410 includes two plant growth channels 1418 positioned inwardlyof opposed corners of the cover 1410. Corresponding reference numeralsare used to refer to features in the second embodiment of a cover 1410corresponding to those in the first embodiment 10, except beginning withthe prefix “14”. Thus, the peripheral base is denoted by 1414, theperipheral wall is denoted by 1416, and so on. The recess regions 1434located at the two corners where the plant growth channels 1418 arepositioned do not include any inwardly recessed proximal portion of theperipheral wall 1416, rather, the intermediate shoulder 1438 of each ofthese recess regions 1434 extends into the respective plant growthchannel 1418, so that at these corners the tubes 1420 open onto theintermediate shoulders 1438. In addition, each plant growth channel 1418has only a single cruciform receiving slot 1442 disposed adjacentthereto.

FIGS. 41 to 43 are dimension drawings for the second exemplaryembodiment of a cover 1410, with reference letters used to denotevarious dimensions. The chart below sets out the correspondingapproximate numerical dimensions of the second exemplary embodiment of acover 1410, in millimeters.

Reference Dimension (millimeters) V 98.00 W 92.00 X 87.38 Y 36.50 Z30.50 AA 23.50 BB 5.80 CC 23.50 DD 23.50 EE 28.31 FF 13.31 GG 20.00 HH15.00 II 17.45 JJ 20.84 KK 26.00 LL 10.00 MM 1.00 NN 26.00 OO 5.00 PP5.00 QQ 1.20 RR 87.38 SS 92.00 TT 98.00 UU 18.04 VV 10.00 WW 2.40 XX30.22 YY 28.98 ZZ 10.00 AAA 25.27 BBB 3.00 CCC 4.70 DDD 6.60 EEE 4.50

With reference now to FIGS. 20 to 25, a third embodiment of a cover fora plant-growing medium is shown generally at 2010. The third embodiment2010 is generally similar to the second embodiment 2010, except that theoutermost edge of the peripheral flange that forms the peripheral base2014 of the cover 2010 defines an elongate notional rectangle ratherthan a square notional rectangle, with the third embodiment of a cover2010 being intended for use with a correspondingly shaped container orblock of plant-growing medium. In addition, the elongated sides of thecover 10 have two arch-shaped indentations 2030. Corresponding referencenumerals are used to refer to features in the third embodiment of acover 2010 corresponding to those in the second embodiment 1010, exceptbeginning with the prefix “20”. Thus, the peripheral base is denoted by2014, the peripheral wall is denoted by 2016, and so forth.

FIGS. 44 to 46 are dimension drawings for the third exemplary embodimentof a cover 2010, with reference letters and numerated reference lettersused to denote various dimensions. The chart below sets out thecorresponding approximate numerical dimensions of the third exemplaryembodiment of a cover 2010, in millimeters.

Reference Dimension (millimeters) FFF 30.50 GGG 23.50 HHH 20.00 III15.00 JJJ 17.45 KKB 20.84 LLL 26.00 MMM 5.80 NNN 25.27 OOO 33.60 PPP48.50 QQQ 1.00 RRR 10.00 SSS 1.00 TTT 5.00 UUU 5.00 VVV 1.20 WWW 87.38XXX 92.00 YYY 98.00 ZZZ 137.38 A1 142.00 B1 148.00 C1 23.50 D1 36.50 E118.04 F1 10.00 G1 4.50 H1 4.70 I1 6.60 J1 30.22 K1 28.98 L1 10.00 M13.00 N1 25.27 O1 13 degrees

Now referring to FIGS. 26 to 31, a fourth embodiment of a cover for aplant-growing medium is shown generally at 2610. The fourth embodiment2610 is generally similar to the third embodiment 2010, except that thefourth embodiment of a cover 2610 includes a single, centrally disposedplant growth channel 2618 like the first embodiment of a cover 10,rather than the two plant growth channels 2018 positioned at opposedcorners of the third embodiment of a cover 2010. Accordingly,corresponding reference numerals are used to refer to features in thefourth embodiment, except beginning with the prefix “26”, so that theperipheral base is denoted by 2614, the peripheral wall is denoted by2616, and so on.

FIGS. 47 to 50 are dimension drawings for the fourth exemplaryembodiment of a cover 2610, with numerated reference letters used todenote various dimensions. The chart below sets out the correspondingapproximate numerical dimensions of the fourth exemplary embodiment of acover 2610, in millimeters.

Reference Dimension (millimeters) P1 36.58 Q1 34.84 R1 54.84 S1 36.58 T126.00 U1 26.00 V1 25.27 W1 5.00 X1 5.00 Y1 6.54 Z1 5.80 AA1 10.0 BB110.59 CC1 3.90 (radius) DD1 23.50 EE1 33.60 FF1 1.60 (radius) GG1 137.38HH1 142.00 II1 87.38 JJ1 92.00 KK1 6.54 LL1 3.25 MM1 2.40 NN1 10.00 OO130.73 PP1 28.98 QQ1 18.04 RR1 3.00 SS1 3.85 TT1 10.00 UU1 10.85 VV118.04 WW1 25.27 XX1 4.63 YY1 6.83 ZZ1 1.00 AAA1 1.96 BBB1 1.00 CCC1148.00 DDD1 98.00

With reference now to FIGS. 32 to 37, a fifth embodiment of a cover fora plant-growing medium is shown generally at 3210. The fifth embodiment3210 is a mirror image of the third embodiment 2010, and correspondingreference numerals are used to refer to corresponding features, exceptbeginning with the prefix “32”.

FIGS. 51 to 54 are dimension drawings for the fifth exemplary embodimentof a cover 3210, with numerated reference letters used to denote variousdimensions. The chart below sets out the corresponding approximatenumerical dimensions of the fifth exemplary embodiment of a cover 3210,in millimeters.

Reference Dimension (millimeters) EEE1 148.00 FFF1 142.00 GGG1 137.38HHH1 40.84 III1 20.84 JJJ1 5.00 KKB1 5.00 LLL1 1.20 MMM1 5.80 NNN1 6.54OOO1 33.60 PPP1 97.00 QQQ1 25.27 RRR1 86.91 SSS1 92.00 TTT1 98.00 UUU12.40 VVV1 3.00 WWW1 3.00 XXX1 3.60 YYY1 4.65 ZZZ1 6.77 A2 25.27 B2 10.00C2 28.98 D2 30.22 E2 1.00 F2 4.90 (radius) G2 10.00 H2 10.59

Conventional rockwool blocks used in the plant-growing industry areprovided with two primary sizes of upper surface, namely 100 millimetersby 100 millimeters and 100 millimeters by 150 millimeters. The exemplaryfirst and second embodiments 10, 1410, whose dimensions are shown inFIGS. 38 to 40 and FIGS. 41 to 43, respectively, may advantageously beused with rockwool blocks having an upper surface measuring 100millimeters by 100 millimeters. This is shown for the first embodiment10 in FIGS. 12A to 13C. In this regard, it is to be appreciated that thenotional rectangle defined by the outermost edge of the peripheralflange that forms the peripheral base measures 98 millimeters by 98millimeters for the first and second embodiments, 10, 1410, rather than100 millimeters by 100 millimeters. This difference in size preventsminor deviations in positioning of the cavity (or cavities) in therockwool from causing the peripheral flange to protrude past the uppersurface of the rockwool block, which could interfere with automatedhandling.

Similarly, the exemplary third, fourth and fifth embodiments 2010, 2610,3210, whose dimensions are shown in FIGS. 44 to 46, FIGS. 47 to 50 andFIGS. 51 to 54, respectively, may advantageously be used with rockwoolblocks having an upper surface measuring 100 millimeters by 150millimeters. Again it is to be noted that the notional rectangle definedby the outermost edge of the peripheral flange that forms the peripheralbase measures 98 millimeters by 148 millimeters for the third, fourthand fifth embodiments, rather than 100 millimeters by 150 millimeters,to accommodate minor deviations in cavity position without causing theperipheral flange to extend past the edge of the rockwool block.

Selection of the appropriate cover will depend on the size of therockwool block, as well as the number and placement of the cavities inthe rockwool block. Additionally, the first and second embodiments mayalso be used with correspondingly sized containers, such as thecontainer 60 described above, whose peripheral flange 64 defines anotional rectangle measuring 98 millimeters by 98 millimeters, and thethird, fourth and fifth embodiments can be used with a similar containerhaving a peripheral flange measuring 98 millimeters by 148 millimeters.

It will be appreciated that the dimensions set out in the tables aboverepresent the mold dimensions, and hence are representative of coversmolded perfectly, without shrinkage. Actual covers will have slightvariances from these dimensions. In addition, the dimensions set out inthe tables above and accompanying FIGS. 38 to 54 represent particularpreferred embodiments, and covers having other dimensions are alsocontemplated.

Preferably, covers according to aspects of the present invention aremade from an opaque material, so as to obstruct light from reachingplant-growing medium in the container, or the block of rockwool, andthereby inhibit the growth of algae therein, since algae requires light.Also preferably, covers according to aspects of the present inventionare integrally formed by molding the covers from a biodegradablematerial. One suitable biodegradable material is bagasse, which is thefibrous residue left over after crushing sugar cane or sorghum stalks.Containers, such as the container 60 shown in FIGS. 7 to 11C, may bemade from the same material. Other suitable materials may also be usedto make covers according to aspects of the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiments the main cover portions are generallyplanar, in other embodiments the main cover portions may have otherconfigurations.

One or more currently preferred embodiments have been described by wayof example. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that anumber of variations and modifications can be made without departingfrom the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

1. A plant growth assembly comprising: a cover comprising: a main coverportion; a peripheral base spaced from the main cover portion anddefining an outer perimeter of the cover; a peripheral wall extendingfrom a first side of the main cover portion between the main coverportion and the peripheral base; at least one plant growth channeldefined by a tube extending from the first side of the main coverportion, wherein for each plant growth channel: the tube has a proximalend adjacent the main cover portion and a distal end relative to theproximal end; a first aperture is defined in the main cover portion atthe proximal end of the tube and a second aperture is defined at thedistal end of the tube, the first aperture and the second aperturecommunicating through the tube; a quantity of plant-growing mediumdisposed opposite the first side of the main cover portion; and a plant,the plant extending from the plant growth medium into the distal end ofthe tube, through the plant growth channel and past the proximal end ofthe tube; wherein: for each plant growth channel, the tube extends pastthe peripheral base; the peripheral base comprises an outwardlyextending peripheral flange located at a distal end of the peripheralwall, relative to the main cover potion; an outermost edge of theperipheral flange defines a notional rectangle; and for each edge of thenotional rectangle defined by the outermost edge of the peripheralflange, at least one arch-shaped indentation is defined in a distalportion of the peripheral wall that is distal from the main coverportion.
 2. The plant growth assembly of claim 1, wherein the main coverportion is generally planar.
 3. The plant growth assembly of claim 1,wherein for each plant growth channel, the first aperture is larger thanthe second aperture and the tube is generally frusto-conical and tapersfrom the first aperture to the second aperture.
 4. The plant growthassembly of claim 3, wherein the main cover portion has at least onereceiving slot defined therethrough adjacent each plant growth channel,each receiving slot able to receive a plant support member and retainthe plant support member so that the plant support member extends fromthe second side of the main cover portion, generally perpendicularlythereto.
 5. The plant growth assembly of claim 4, wherein each receivingslot is cruciform.
 6. The plant growth assembly of claim 5, wherein eachreceiving slot is located in a plant support area of the main coverportion defined by a plant support projection on the first side of themain cover portion and a corresponding plant support depression on thesecond side of the main cover portion.
 7. The plant growth assembly ofclaim 3, wherein the main cover portion has at least one set ofperforations therethrough, each set of perforations defining a removabletab, whereby removal of the tab defines an irrigation aperture forreceiving an irrigation tube.
 8. The plant growth assembly of claim 7,wherein each set of perforations is located in an irrigation area of themain cover portion defined by an irrigation projection on the first sideof the main cover portion and a corresponding irrigation depression onthe second side of the main cover portion.
 9. The plant growth assemblyof claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall includes recess regions where aproximal portion of the peripheral wall adjacent the main cover portionis recessed inwardly to define an intermediate shoulder between theproximal portion of the peripheral wall and the distal portion of theperipheral wall.
 10. The plant growth assembly of claim 9, wherein therecess regions are located adjacent corners of the notional rectangledefined by the outermost edge of the peripheral flange.
 11. The plantgrowth assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover is integrally formed. 12.The plant growth assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover is formed frombiodegradable material.
 13. The plant growth assembly of claim 12,wherein the biodegradable material comprises bagasse.
 14. The plantgrowth assembly of claim 1, wherein: the plant-growing medium is looseparticulate disposed in a container.
 15. The plant growth assembly ofclaim 14, wherein: the container has a peripheral flange correspondingin size and shape to the peripheral base of the cover; and the cover issecured to the container by mating between the peripheral flange and theperipheral base.
 16. The plant growth assembly of claim 1, wherein theplant-growing medium is a block of rockwool.